... This barely passes in the quality stakes!
So, when I'm not at work, the only place I tend to go is a caffe nero!
History: Rather helpfully, the Caffe nero website doesn't have a history web site (well, it does, but it's 'coming soon'!). However, it's been around a while.... probably ... Read review
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Advantages: Good quality fud and coffee Disadvantages: Not the cheapest
...tend to go is a caffe nero!
History: Rather helpfully, the Caffe nero website doesn't have a history web site (well, it does, but it's 'coming soon'!). However, it's been around a while.... probably not as long as Costa Coffee, which started in the 1960's
Philosophy: This IS from their web site: "The Caffè Nero philosophy is really very simple. Coffee. Atmosphere. Food and service are the key elements to our business ... .../>
Caffe nero's have everything you want from a coffee chain, and, at present, are still the only chain that have a buy 9 get the 10th free scheme :-)
I'd much rather walk that extra mile for a Nero than go to another chain!
... more
I'm a coffee snob. I can't stand cheap coffee. In fact, I get offended if someone tries to offer me Morrisons own blend!!!
Obviously, this costs me a fortune, especially at work. Whilst I don't drink a lot of coffee, one or two cups at the most, my days are better if there is a cup of coffee on my desk before 9.30am!
So, what does such a screwed up lad do when he needs his good quality brew? Well, we have a StopGap (like you get at train stations) at work, which does espresso (please note the correct spelling!) based coffee.... This barely passes in the quality stakes!
So, when I'm not at work, the only place I tend to go is a caffe nero!
History: Rather helpfully, the Caffe nero website doesn't have a history web site (well, it does, but it's 'coming soon'!). However, it's been around a while.... probably not as long as Costa Coffee, which started in the 1960's
Philosophy: This IS from their web site: "The Caffè Nero philosophy is really very simple. Coffee. Atmosphere. Food and service are the key elements to our business and excellence in all four areas is required in order to achieve our aim. We are dedicated to providing our customers with a great cup of coffee and a quality snack in a warm, authentic European coffee house atmosphere served in a friendly manner. Nothing less than this is acceptable." Well, what do I think of this? Read on....
Locations: The coffee house market at the moment is far from crowded... Manchester, population approx 1 million people and has a few nero’s, especially the beautiful one which I visited in Piccadilly Gardens, but Ipswich, where I live, has only three coffee chains, with O'Briens and an independant doing decent coffee as well. The three chains are normally busy to say the least. There is at least a Nero in most towns, although my home town has yet to get one. In London, you are never further than 500 yards from both a tube station and a Nero!
Decor: This is where Nero's differ (in a positive way) from the rest. Starbucks and Costa have a decent atmosphere (this stemming from the decor) but there is something about nero's which sets it apart from the rest. The cherrywood flooring, the redish walls, the Italian posters and prints (some quite comical) and the lovely leather sofa's.
Yes, they all look the same, but there is nothing better than plonking in a great big sofa with a good mug of coffee!
Drinks (not inc coffee!): You don't get the usual stuff in a nero. They have these water based fruit juices which are very refreshing (the Pink grapefruit one being my fave). They also have a few soft drink varieties, and also plenty of fruit juices, which can be blended with ice.
Food: Another good reason for eating at nero's:
Sandwiches: They have a few varieties and there are some veggie options. The food isn't too fancy. Crayfish and Salad might sound Grand, but Crayfish are like big prawns. Quite nice they are too! Panini: They have some good varieties here. Some are seasonal based, but my fave is the meatball and cheese one! The are very tasty, although, it has to be said, my local one is sadly lacking on a sunday :-( Soups: They have some soups which can be microwaved. haven't tried one yet Pasta: Yum! Whilst the pasta doesn't look that appetising in the plastic containers, it tastes fantastic, and the portions are perfect size! Danish and Cakes: Croissant, Muffins, cakes, cheesecake. They have the lot!
Coffee: The important bit! Whilst they have all the same types of brew as everywhere else, there are two things which sets them apart.
Firstly, they use good beans. I have a friend who works in the coffee industry and has always said that the only difference between all the different coffee places is the bean that they use. Obviously, nero's use a good one. The coffee is smooth and not bitter, and, if you have ever been scared of trying an espresso, try one at nero's. You'll be surprised!
Secondly, they aren't like the cheapskates at Starbucks..... They use two shots of espresso in a coffee, not the one, although you can request one if you wish!
Ambience: This is why I love Nero's. They pick good locations, and they even haved piped music. However, it's background and classical based. certainly doesn't annoy you!
Prices: This varies a little on location, but these are indicative: Coffee: £1.90 for a latte Food: Normal sarnies around £2.50, panini based around £3.50, pasta around £3.50 also. The Danishes start at around £1.20 Cold drinks vary greatly, but start at around a pound.
Other things: They have wifi access based on the surf and sip network, http://www.surfandsip.com/, although this doesn't have many partnerships alas. You won't be able to use it with BT's Openzone, for example.
Toilets: Does depend on location. The Manchester ones are normally fresh and clean although some london ones leave a lot to be desired.
Cleaniness: Most nero's tend to be clean and the tables are cleaned quite regular!
Caffe nero's have everything you want from a coffee chain, and, at present, are still the only chain that have a buy 9 get the 10th free scheme :-)
I'd much rather walk that extra mile for a Nero than go to another chain!
Advantages: excellent value, excellent atmosphere and excellent coffee Disadvantages: there aren't enough branches.... yet!
...been boiled too long, then Caffe Nero's definitely NOT the coffee shop for you.
However if you like your coffee to have a rounded and full taste, together with a full-on "kick" - you've come to the right place: Caffe Nero is just out of this world.
The magazine Tatler reviewed Nero saying "The best espresso this side of Milan" and Nero's are rightly proud of this remark, displaying it prominently on the blackboards that adorn all their stores.
... ...they now have three, having opened two more recently, including one on Briggate that they bought from the defunct Coffee Republic and have turned into just about the best branch in the city - with switched on staff who a) remember you amoungst the thousands of other customers they serve (and also remember what coffee you like) and b) provide an excellent friendly atmosphere that's obviously appreciated - the shop's packed! They actually have over ...
andyev 23.07.2003 (05.03.2005)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Caffe Nero
Advantages: The iced choclate is to die for. Disadvantages: Over priced sandwiches
...Starbucks, Coffee Republic and Costa, Caffe Nero is another one of the ‘trendy’ coffee houses that have been appearing in a town near you over the past few years after the explosion of the phenomena that is ‘Friends’ hit our screens. It has got to the point where every corner has a coffee house on it thus proving that there is big money in this relatively new industry.
Caffe Nero as we know it began in 1996 with 6 stores. ... ...Aroma.
The concept of Caffe Nero is simple: to serve great coffee. Each store follows the same company standards whether it concerns the way the drinks are made or how often a staff member checks the toilets. Unlike the American Starbucks, Caffe Nero is Italian themed. Staff members are referred to as Baristas, which roughly translates into ‘coffee expert’, and have a uniform of black trousers, a black T-shirt with the Caffe Nero logo ...
pennyborton 28.04.2002
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Caffe Nero
Advantages: Great atmosphere, friendly service, tasty drinks and a range of snacks Disadvantages: Could be a tad expencive if you make a trip there on a regular basis
...rest your feet and relax. Caffe Nero is my favourite pick of the bunch so far as I have always had good service there and never had any problems over cold tea or soggy cake! -...:: General ::...- Caffe Nero was founded in 1997 and has since then become more and more popular with branches is various UK locations. It has won awards for 'Best Coffee House' and focusses its philosophy around 'coffee and atmosphere'. I personally am not a coffee drinker, ... ...always had good service at Caffe Nero - the staff always seem to friendly, happy and helpful which gives the place a great atmosphere. The decor is tasteful and clean; I've never been to a Nero that's felt tatty or dirty in any way. Since the smoking ban, I like to take my hot chocolate outside so I can have it with a cigarette. Lots of branches offer a few tables and chairs undercover out the front of the store, and the drinks are available to take ...
gothic_moon 02.03.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Caffe Nero
Advantages: Great coffe & paninis, dont treat smokers as Lepers Disadvantages: Perhaps a little priced
...in the words of Goldilocks, Caffe Nero was "just right" The coffee in Caffe Nero is good and strong with a mellow flavour - I personally drink a large skinny latte which costs about £2.20, which I don't think is unreasonable for the size of the mug and the amount of coffee it contains!
My other favourite item to purchase in Nero is one of their Panini! These are divine! Full of delicious things like bacon and cheese, or pesto sauce and mozzarella! ... ...general things I love about Caffe Nero is the loyalty card - for every coffee/drink you buy in the store, you get a stamp on a loyalty card and after buying 9 drinks you get a free one! Suffice to say I have been through about 50 cards so far!
The other main thing I like about Caffe Nero is a rather anti social one - you can smoke in them! There are so few places left where one can relax with a coffee, the paper and a cigarette - Caffe Nero is one ...
SomersetPrincess 07.06.2005
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Caffe Nero
Advantages: Cheaper, Much better quality coffee than Starbucks, Reward scheme is great Disadvantages: Frappe Latte is not that great
Caffe Nero provides first-class coffee that surpasses that of other leading high street coffee houses such as Starbucks and Pret a Manger. Walking into a Nero is like finding an oasis in the desert that is city life. Caffe Nero definitely live up to their name by providing "the best espresso this side of Milan". In fact, having been to Italy several times a year I can safely say that I could not tell a Nero espresso from the best Italian coffee. ... ...americanized Starbucks.
I feel that Caffe Nero does exactly what one would expect from a coffee house, by providing a very relaxed atmosphere; perfect for doing business, meeting friends, or quiet personal reflection. In addition, Nero have the reward system that Starbucks lack, whereby after 10 coffees you can claim another one free. I feel this shows some appreciation for my loyalty.
The one area in which Nero does not meet my expectations is ...
brunocrosier 10.06.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Caffe Nero
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Standard of Menu
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Advantages: Some interesting locations Disadvantages: Quality of coffee, panini and staff
The following is a verbatim copy of a recent email sent to CaffeNero to which I neither received confirmation or response:
My wife and I have been great fans of CaffeNero since you opened and would go out of our way to search out a bar however, this year we have been made increasingly aware of reduced quality and a questionable marketing direction.
i) the starbucking of the size of cups; gone is the original small cup previously used that are standard in Italian bars, the new style cappuccino is merely hot milk with a 'hint' of coffee. I know we can always ask for less milk but the previous smallest cup always gave great balance and flavour. Anyway, as a lot of the staff speak very limited English, explaining and getting what one wants is often difficult. I always have real trouble getting cappucino 'senza' chocolate, even when I ...
Advantages: Friendly staff, fast, efficient, nice decor, dont rush you out the door Disadvantages: a little pricey for some food
My first trip to a CaffeNero was a few years ago in London. I popped in quickly and grabbed a capuccino with my mum. It was a cold winters morning, very early and we were on our way for a spot of shopping in Covent Garden. The coffee was just what we needed to wake up. Since that day I have become a regular visiter to caffeNero's in London, and to several branches in Surrey where I live.
The company was founded in 1997 and so is relatively new. I had only ever seen them in London until the past year and a half when they suddenly began to pop up in all the towns I frequently find myself in. CaffeNero now claim to have 205 stores nationwide.
After the first trip to cafe Nero, one of the things that brought me back was the fact that I could smoke inside whilst enjoying my coffee. This is no longer an issue as I no longer smoke ...
Advantages: Authentic Coffee, Clean, tidy premises, 1st class ambience and atmosphere Disadvantages: Food range is not so great value.
CaffeNero is a leading Coffee store Retail Outlet located in many high street, town center, and Airport Lounge venues across England, wales and Scotland.
The company sells, Coffee as its main product. Also they stock Tea, cold refreshments, panini sandwiches, cookies, crisps, Chocolates, cakes, and sweets.
What I find that makes cafe nero different to other coffee Retail Outlet's is almost a combination of excellent Coffee, and a high standard of Customer Service.
The Music in the background of the store is subtle and light. This allows people to read a newspaper, to socialise with friends, family, or to enjoy a relaxing cup of Coffee in relative peace and quiet. The atmosphere is what makes caffenero a pleasant and welcoming place to visit.
The staff seem to be team organised. I have seen Table's been cleared ...
costas1234 04.01.2008 (29.05.2009)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Café Nero (London)